Eric Boggs
Ohio State’s tight end recruiting landscape is evolving quickly as the Buckeyes reassess priorities, evaluate new prospects, and navigate early commitments across the Midwest and beyond. Recent developments have clarified which players are trending toward Columbus and which ones the staff may need to circle back on as the recruiting cycle progresses. One in-state name coming off the board is Jackson Ballinger, the 6-foot-4 prospect from Centerburg who recently committed to the Florida Gators despite interest from the Buckeyes. He never received an Ohio State offer, but camps and future evaluations could still reopen that door if the staff decides to revisit his recruitment.
Another Ohio product, D’Angelo White, is currently pledged to the Louisville Cardinals after announcing his decision in January. The 6-foot-6, 245-pound target ranks among the nation’s top tight ends and impressed evaluators with his physical blocking and size. While his commitment is firm for now, Ohio State has a history of flipping regional prospects if priorities shift, so his recruitment may not be finished.
The clear in-state priority at the moment appears to be DeSales standout Jordan Karhoff, a fluid pass-catcher with a wide receiver skill set in a tight end frame. Recruiting services view Ohio State as the current favorite, and his on-field chemistry with quarterback RJ Day only strengthens that outlook. Evaluators praise his body control, ability to find space in zone coverage, and red-zone catch radius, making him a high-ceiling option who fits the modern hybrid tight end role.
Another Ohio name drawing interest is Perrysburg athlete Braylon Foster, a 6-foot-5 prospect whose basketball background and athletic upside intrigue scouts. Considered raw but intelligent and versatile, he could become a late riser if he performs well in camp settings. Foster has drawn looks from programs such as the Michigan State Spartans and MAC schools, and Ohio State is monitoring his development as a potential future target.
Outside state lines, several major prospects remain firmly on the radar. Virginia commit Sean Currie, a 6-foot-7 multi-sport standout, plans to visit Columbus despite his pledge to the Virginia Cavaliers. His recruitment is heating up nationally, with offers from schools like the Penn State Nittany Lions signaling a looming Big Ten battle. Currie’s blend of size, speed, and physicality makes him one of the most intriguing tight end prospects in the class.
Illinois product Brock Williams is another major name to track. Recruiting metrics currently favor Ohio State over the Georgia Bulldogs, though insiders suggest momentum could still swing. Williams is viewed as a polished receiving threat who can stretch the field and produce after the catch, though he’ll need added weight to become a complete blocker at the next level.
A newer entrant into the conversation is Indiana athlete Parker Nerman, a top-tier recruit from New Palestine with speed, acceleration, and a wide catch radius. His athletic profile allows him to split coverage and threaten defenses vertically, traits that make him appealing in a pass-friendly offense. Meanwhile, the Buckeyes are making a strong push for national recruit Jaxon Dollar, who has an official visit scheduled and is reportedly moving Ohio State up his list despite heavy pursuit from the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Insider chatter suggests the staff’s focus may be shifting toward Dollar as priorities continue to evolve.
Taken together, the board shows a program balancing immediate needs with long-term upside. With top local targets, national prospects, and emerging athletes all in play, Ohio State’s tight end recruiting strategy reflects both flexibility and selectivity. For Buckeye fans tracking the position, the coming months of visits, camps, and evaluations should bring sharper clarity about which of these names will ultimately headline the class.
